Just because something is harder doesn't automatically make it better though. The rules of rugby union are harder to grasp than those of league but nobody with a brain would claim this makes union better.

Just because something is harder doesn't automatically make it better though. The rules of rugby union are harder to grasp than those of league but nobody with a brain would claim this makes union better.

Who said anything about it being better? If Weir had ridden the Paralympic marathon every day for three weeks and had the lowest overall time then that could almost be comparable to Wiggins winning the TDF.

This is not taking anything away from those sportsmen and women on the shortlist. Their achievements are incredible and it's fantastic that so many could win it (and tough on Sinfield who probably should be on that list).

Just because something is harder doesn't automatically make it better though. The rules of rugby union are harder to grasp than those of league but nobody with a brain would claim this makes union better.

It wight be argued that the unwritten rules of rugby union are such that for somebody with a brain this makes union better than league.

1. Every gets a game every week until they are in their forties. And useless. There is absolutely no shame in being useless.2. Good pitches, good changing rooms, good food after the game in your own smart clubhouse.3. Always a good social scene, never any shortage of disco's etc for the younger end and, in my experience, plenty of young women want to attend. For the older end, you need never lose touch with your old mates and it's surprising how many divorcees attend quiz nights, fund-raising events etc.4. If you have got young kids, junior rugby gives your wife the chance to enjoy some female company every Sunday morning and/or, send you off with them whilst she goes somewhere else (preferable because she'll take the car and you can have a few pints with your mates). If you coach kids rugby, it's not unknown for the odd single mother to take a shine to you.5. Always a social tour every season ... playing on tour is optional, boozing is compulsory. If you don't normally drink much, so what ... like everybody else you will be expected to make a prat of yourself. What happens on tour, stays on tour.6.It is very rare (guilty!! ) for there to be cheeking of the referee. Players and officials have a chat afterwards to iron out any disagreements.7. A lot of very nice people play rugby union. If you are of a similar nature, you will always make lasting friends.

To meet all these factors that influence which game our kids will want to play when they are adults, BARLA and the RFL will have to pump money into the grassroots.

Has got to be Wiggins but after Cavendish won it last year it wouldn't be much of a shock to see a non-cyclist win it. Anyone one of the shortlist with the possible exception of McIlroy deserve to win.

Who said anything about it being better? If Weir had ridden the Paralympic marathon every day for three weeks and had the lowest overall time then that could almost be comparable to Wiggins winning the TDF.

This is not taking anything away from those sportsmen and women on the shortlist. Their achievements are incredible and it's fantastic that so many could win it (and tough on Sinfield who probably should be on that list).

You don't need to play to the crowd. Sinfield doesn't need to be on the list.

What a year for British sport. Thoroughly enjoyable programme, worth it just for Jessica Ennis in that dress.

Agreed,but just seen bbc photo with Wiggins and Willies wife,but Beckham,that man will shove his face on a dog ###### if it gain him publicity,an average footballer with a messi/ronaldo publicity machine.